God hates pride

1 Peter  5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Pride is a silent enemy that can creep into our hearts and minds, often unnoticed, but it carries with it devastating consequences. The Bible consistently warns us about pride, and in 1 Peter 5:5, we are reminded of a stark reality: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Pride, as Scripturally understood is rebellion against God. It is the exaltation of self above our rightful place as creatures of the Almighty. When we are proud, we think we know better than God. We refuse to submit to His authority and guidance.

This was the sin of Satan, who sought to elevate himself above God (Isaiah 14:12-14), and it is the same sin that brought Adam and Eve to their fall in the Garden of Eden when they sought to "be like God" (Genesis 3:5).

Pride says, “I don’t need God; I can do this on my own.” It is an attitude of self-sufficiency, where we trust in our own abilities, wisdom, and resources rather than in God. And as 1 Peter 5:5 tells us, God opposes the proud. Why? Because pride places us in opposition to Him. It separates us from His grace and provision.

When we walk in pride, we set ourselves up as enemies of God’s purposes, blocking the flow of His blessings and distancing ourselves from His will. James 4:6 reiterates the same truth, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” This should be a sobering thought for every believer: pride doesn’t just distance us from God—it puts us in direct opposition to Him.

Furthermore, the scripture says God gives grace to the humble. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is His strength, His wisdom, and His blessing given to us freely. But pride blocks the flow of that grace. Pride says, “I don’t need grace; I can do it myself.” But in reality, we can do nothing apart from God. Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Let us think  about how many times pride has kept people from experiencing God’s best. It keeps us from asking for help, from seeking counsel, from admitting when we are wrong, and most importantly, from confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness. Pride isolates us, hardens our hearts, and distances us from God’s loving hand.

We see this destructive power of pride in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4. This mighty king was brought low because of his arrogance. God humbled him, and he lived like an animal for seven years until he acknowledged that God alone is sovereign. Only then was his kingdom restored. Pride leads to a downfall, but humility leads to restoration.

We are then called to humility.

The opposite of pride is humility, and 1 Peter 5:5 gives us a powerful visual: Clothe yourselves with humility. This isn’t a suggestion but a command. Humility is something we actively put on, like a garment. It is an intentional attitude and action.

To clothe ourselves with humility means to constantly recognize our dependence on God. It means to acknowledge that everything we have—our talents, our resources, our very breath—is a gift from Him. Humility recognizes that God is the source of all goodness, and we are simply stewards of what He has entrusted to us.

Humility also means submitting to one another. Peter emphasizes submission to authority, but also encourages mutual humility among all believers. This means we are to serve one another, putting others' needs above our own, just as Christ did. Jesus Himself, though He was God, humbled Himself by becoming a servant, even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Our lives should mirror this attitude of Christ.

Finally, while pride leads to opposition from God, humility opens the door to His grace. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we position ourselves to receive His favor, His guidance, and His strength. Proverbs 22:4 says, “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth, honor, and life.” This doesn’t necessarily mean material wealth, but the richness of God’s spiritual blessings that flow to those who walk in humility.

In James 4:10, we are given a wonderful promise: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” When we choose humility, God Himself will exalt us in His perfect timing. We don’t have to strive to make a name for ourselves, to fight for recognition, or to seek glory. God will take care of that. Our job is to humble ourselves and trust in His provision.

Let us humble ourself before God so he can raise us up, put dependency is on God, him alone can give us a sustainable and meaningful life.

God bless you.

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.

2. Lord, help me to be humble in all my ways in Jesus Christ name.

3. Lord,  help me not to misuse the grace you have granted me in Jesus Christ name.

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.